Finding the Best 360 Video Camera
I often am asked as a producer of 360 content what camera I shoot with.
In most other settings as a photographer, I would say the camera doesn’t matter, it’s what you do with it.
But in the case of 360 video, we are so early into the adaption of this technology from camera companies that what camera you shoot with really does matter.
So I’ve decided to do a quick test on an overcast day at the U.S. Capitol to show you the difference between three of the more popular 360 camera rigs — the Ricoh Theta S, Kodak SP 360 4K and Freedom360 mount for GoPro.
All have their pros and cons, and I’m going to break them down here with screenshots, original content available for download and a video comparing all three.
You can watch the video of all three cameras tested at the U.S. Capitol to see the differences in image quality, stitching and audio. Open the video on your mobile device in the YouTube app to experience the 360 video.
Ricoh Theta S
The cheapest and most “consumer” of the three cameras, the Ricoh Theta S is the second generation camera from the 360 camera manufacterer promising higher resolution, better low-light performance and recording time up to 25 minutes.
B&H has a phenominal and thorough review here.
In comparison, it is clear that the Ricoh is the cheapest model. The image is noticeably less sharp than Kodak and GoPro rigs. That is because it provides a much lower resolution (1920x960) than the Kodak and GoPro rigs (3840x1920).
The settings were on auto and right out of the box. Although, the Theta S app does allow significant control over the camera.
This camera is a fantastic way to teach 360 and immersive storytelling. It can also be used to scout location for 360 production, but I would not use this camera for professional publication of 360 video.
There is one very useful aspect to the Ricoh Theta S — still images.
Now that Facebook has unleashed interactive panoramic images on its more than 1 billion users, interactive images are become more prevalent on our newsfeed.
The Ricoh Theta S and app allows you to shoot (remotely, too) and publish directly to Facebook without any need to process on a desktop. This makes the very lightweight Ricoh Theta S a useful tool for publishers and storytellers to quickly show their audiences a scene.
Kodak SP360 4K
This is the most recommended camera I suggest to getting your feet wet in professional production of 360 video.
It is relatively cheap at $900 and provides a much higher quality image — especially for its price.
While the Theta S might be the cheapest at $350. The Kodak SP360 4K allows you to produce higher quality 360 content out of the box. In comparison to the Theta S, its higher resolution (3840x1920) makes a noticeable difference on YouTube and Facebook players.
While the two-camera setup still gives a slight “bubble” effect. The higher resolution of the Kodak SP360 4K and more sophisticated lenses make this less noticable than the Ricoh Theta S.
VR360 has a very thorough review of the Kodak SP360 here.
The main issue with the Kodak is stitching. JK Imaging, the company that produces the camera under the Kodak name, is relatively new to the VR game and it’s proprietary software can be buggy and doesn’t do a perfect job at stitching both cameras together.
Because each camera operates independently, there can be exposure differences which give you a “ring” effect along the line of stitching, and although you can sync both cameras via remote or audio, I still find regular stitching errors when watching objects move from one camera to the other in a 360 space.
Overall, I still recommend this camera to starters and professionals especially for filming 360 in tight spaces because you can film subjects, such as interviews, fairly close to the rig itself.
Freedom360 mount for GoPro
I consider this the workhorse of 360 production. I have brought this rig and it’s more rugged brother the F360 Explorer across the globe. You can see a highlight reel of that footage here.
Starting at $500 for just the mount and $1,300 for the mount and professional stitching software, this set up is not cheap. Oh, and that doesn’t include six GoPros, six MicroSD memory cards and six sets of extra batteries and chargers.
All in, this set up will cost you upwards of $4,500, but will get you the results you want as a professional filmmaker almost anywhere.
Even filming at a lower resolution, 6K, (see full camera settings here), the picture quality is sharp and works well in most light — also because using six cameras allows you to blend exposures much better than two.
Think about shooting in a midday sun with a two-camera rig, one camera will be drastically different exposing for the sunlight than another exposing for shadows.
Filming with six independent cameras allows you to expose for much harsher light and the GoPros are champions even in their auto settings.
Stitching is much better with AutoPano Video Pro, although this rig does not perform well with subjects within five feet of the rig. I suggest using the Kodak rig for tight spaces and close interviews.
The major issue when filming with six independent GoPro cameras is that you need all six cameras working perfectly to get a 360 video. The chance of failure is much greater using this rig. If one of the six GoPro cameras is on a different setting the six will not stitch together. If one of the six GoPro cameras overheats — something that happens when you pack six of them together in a tight space — the six will not stitch together. And if your wifi remote doesn’t connect to all six GoPros and only five record your 360 file will not stitch.
I have had this rig overheat, not connect to remotes, settings mess up and just not record to the memory cards while in production. My best advice in using this rig is to plan your production thoroughly, be patient and work slowly to ensure everything is recording and bring at least one backup GoPro.
Looking Ahead
What is most exciting about this field is how quickly companies are adobting 360 video into their product pipeline and how popular 360 content is becoming.
GoPro has released their own six-camera rig in August that will solve many of the issues when filming with the Freedom360 mount while Kodak and Ricoh are working on new rigs with better performance and stitching.
You can read more about the Omni here.
While this review focuses on the technological aspects of 360 video, it is important to focus on the storytelling aspects of immersive content.
I’ve worked extensively with news organizations, universities and fellow filmmakers on storytelling processes with 360 video. Many of us are publishing regularly and you can read my finding on my Medium page and see what we are sharing on our Facebook group.
Resources
Below are a series of links to software, content I used to test and shopping lists.
Please note, while I am providing the RAW content from three of my 360 rigs, I am in no way granting permission to republish, manipulate or distributed any of this content or release copyright of this content. By downloading this content you are accepting these conditions. If you wish to license 360 content, please contact me here.
Software Downloads
- AutoPano Video Pro stitching software trial
- Kodak PixPro 360 Stitch
- Ricoh Theta Viewer
- 360 Video Metadata app for Mac or Windows
Content Downloads
Shopping List
- Freedom 360 mount for GoPro
- Kodak SP4K 360 Rig
- Ricoh Theta S
- Monopod
- Monopod Feet
- “Clicker”
- MicroSD Card (GoPro and Kodak Rigs)
Workshops
I offer a 2–3 day on site workshop that will teach you and your team, be it faculty, students, journalists, editors and staff how to plan 360 stories, produce 360 content in the field and stitch, edit and distribute 360 video.
We will create a customized content plan for your organization to inlcude 360 content in your distribution strategy and offer consulting for your team after the workshop.
All equipment is provided for the duration of the workshop and customized gear lists will be created for your organiztion.
Please contact me here if you’d like to schedule a workshop.
